Senior Director, Early Phase - Remote (US/UK) in City of London

Jazz Pharmaceuticals is a global biopharma company whose purpose is to innovate to transform the lives of patients and their families. We are dedicated to developing life-changing medicines for people with serious diseases — often with limited or no therapeutic options. We have a diverse portfolio of marketed medicines, including leading therapies for sleep disorders and epilepsy, and a growing portfolio of cancer treatments. Our patient-focused and science-driven approach powers pioneering research and development advancements across our robust pipeline of innovative therapeutics in oncology and neuroscience.

The Senior Director, Head of Early Phase Program Management is a pivotal strategic and operational leadership role within Global Clinical Development Operations (GCDO). Reporting directly to the Executive Director, Head of Clinical Operations, the incumbent will serve as a key member of the Clinical Operations Leadership Team, shaping the vision, operational strategy, and execution framework for Jazz Pharmaceuticals’ late-stage oncology/early phase clinical trial portfolio.

This role requires a seasoned leader capable of bridging high-level strategic vision with granular technical detail. The Senior Director will partner closely with Clinical Development leadership in early program and study design, ensuring seamless execution planning, operational feasibility, and alignment with therapeutic area strategy. Additionally, the Senior Director will have a key role in reviewing comprehensive budgets and timelines in support of drug project governance and portfolio decision-making.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Organizational Vision Collaboration: Define and articulate the strategic vision and long-term direction for the Late Oncology Program Management / Early Phase Program Management, aligned with Clinical Operations, GCDO and broader R&D strategic goals.
• Portfolio Study Delivery & Operational Oversight: Ensure seamless end-to-end execution and operational delivery of complex, global early-phase (Phase 1 FIH, 1b) clinical trials on schedule, within scope, and on budget.
• Cross-Functional & Enterprise Partnering: Establish highly effective collaborative partnerships across Clinical Operations, Global Clinical Development Operations (GCDO), Clinical Development, Medical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, Biometrics, Safety, and broader R&D leadership.
• Governance, Financial Oversight & Budgetary Control: Develop, review, and defend global clinical program budgets and integrated timelines for presentation to drug project governance committees and R&D executive leadership.
• Vendor Governance & Strategic Partnerships: Partner with Strategic Outsourcing and Clinical Innovation to define vendor strategy, key performance metrics, and governance structures.
• Line Management & Capability Building: Provide direct line management, leadership, mentorship, and career development to a high-performing team of Clinical Operations Directors and Associate Directors.
• Quality, Compliance & Inspection Readiness: Ensure all early-stage / late-stage oncology trials strictly adhere to ICH GCP guidelines, global regulatory standards, and internal Jazz Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Innovation, Digital Transformation & Process Optimization: Drive the integration of innovative clinical trial methodologies, including Decentralized Clinical Trials (DCTs), patient-centric execution models and pragmatic trial designs.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proven Track Record (Early Phase): Demonstrated track record of successfully delivering complex clinical trials and multi-country portfolios, specifically in both early-phase (Phase 1) oncology (required) and healthy volunteer settings (preferred).
• Clinical Development Partnership: Demonstrated experience partnering directly with Clinical Development Leads to shape program strategy / study design, protocol feasibility, and overall execution planning.
• Governance & Budgeting: Proven track record of developing, presenting, and overseeing multi-million dollar clinical trial budgets and complex timelines to support formal drug project governance.
• Functional Leadership: Substantial experience in leadership roles within a global study management or clinical operations organization within the pharmaceutical, biotech, or CRO industry.
• Strategic Capability: A demonstrated track record of strategic function leadership, organizational design, and departmental vision setting.
• Technical & Enterprise Balance: Demonstrated ability to manage complex technical details within the function while consistently maintaining a strategic enterprise perspective.
• Strategic Partnering: Skilled at collaborating with Clinical Development and medical experts to translate scientific concepts into operationally viable study designs and execution plans.
• Governance & Financial Acumen: Adept at constructing, analyzing, and presenting integrated program / study budgets and timelines for high-level governance review and strategic decision-making.
• Self-Starter & Results-Driven: A highly motivated, resilient self-starter with a proactive approach to solving complex operational challenges.
• Global Mindset & Flexibility: Proven capability to operate effectively across a matrixed global environment, requiring time zone flexibility to support multi-regional teams and study sites.
• High-Performance Culture Builder: Demonstrated ability to inspire, motivate, and embed high-performance practices within a growing study management organization.
• Communication & Influencing: Superior communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, capable of influencing decisions at executive leadership levels.

Required/Preferred Education and Licenses

• Advanced degree (Ph.D., Pharm.D., M.S., or equivalent) in a life sciences, clinical research, or healthcare-related discipline preferred.
• A Bachelor’s degree with exceptional industry experience will also be considered.
• Significant biopharmaceutical industry experience in clinical trial operations, with significant senior leadership responsibility in Global Study management.
• Direct line management (required), including leadership of people managers (preferred).

Closing date for applications is November 6.

Jazz Pharmaceuticals is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

FOR US BASED CANDIDATES ONLY: Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices and we strive to provide employees with total compensation packages that are market competitive. For this role, the full and complete base pay range is: $230,400.00 - $345,600.00 Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, and other pertinent factors.